Fleet Activities Chinhae hosts 70th Anniversary Celebration

160924-N-WO381-172 CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (Sept. 24, 2016) Members of the Republic of Korea Navy band perform a traditional cymbal presentation during the Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) 70th Anniversary celebration. Established as a U.S. Advisory group in 1946, CFAC is the only U.S. Navy Base in Mainland Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Diamond Brown/Released)

09/24/16

Fleet Activities Chinhae welcomed more than 1000 members of the Chinhae community to the base’s 70th anniversary celebration on Friday, September 24th.

The event, which included food, games, Moral Welfare and Recreation sponsored family activities, and a fireworks display, commemorated the 70th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s presence in Chinhae.

"Our relationship with the local community was close from the start, and remains so," said Terry P. McNamara, the commander of Fleet Activities Chinhae. “On this 70th Anniversary of the American presence in Chinhae, I look forward to many more years as strong allies, as close neighbors, and most importantly, as good friends.”

Chinhae Sailors regularly host members of the local community through many volunteer opportunities such as teaching English at local schools, hosting sports days, and working with both the Jinhae Hope Home orphanage and Aikwangwon home for the mentally and physically disabled.

“Being here we have opportunities to build on a relationship with the Chinhae community that was established 70 years ago,” said Navy Counselor First Class Seth Annichiarico. “Seeing the great turnout for this event reminds us how important our mission is and that our presence is seen, welcomed, and appreciated.

“This base continues to play its part in our alliance’s deterrence of North Korean aggression,” said McNamara, addressing his Korean neighbors. “Our commitment to the alliance is as strong as ever. We are, and always will be your partners in peace.”

The U.S. Navy presence in Chinhae began in 1946, not long after Korean Liberation. Fleet Activities Chinhae is the only U.S. Navy base on the mainland of Asia.